The Denver Broncos, fresh off a 14-3 season that saw them win the AFC West and reach the doorstep of the Super Bowl, enter 2026 positioned as strong contenders in the NFL. With quarterback Bo Nix expected to return from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the AFC title game, the Broncos plan to build on their recent achievements under head coach Sean Payton and maintain dominance within their division.
Despite offseason coaching interest elsewhere, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb have stayed with the team, providing stability. Offensively, Webb has been promoted to offensive coordinator after Pete Carmichael left for the Buffalo Bills, signaling a continuity of philosophy alongside fresh playcalling for the Broncos’ offense.
Review of 2025: A Rollercoaster Season with Strong Finishes
After stumbling out to a 1-2 start in 2025, Denver recovered by winning 11 consecutive games, positioning themselves as a top AFC seed. Bo Nix demonstrated growth by completing 63.4% of his passes for nearly 4,000 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while also contributing on the ground with 356 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Rookie running back RJ Harvey made a significant impact, accumulating 896 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns, showcasing his versatility. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton led the receiving corps with 74 receptions for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns, though depth behind Sutton remains a concern.
While the offense showed promise, it was Denver’s defense that truly excelled. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto led the team with 14 sacks, contributing to the Broncos’ league-best total of 68 sacks. The secondary remained anchored by Patrick Surtain II, 2024’s Defensive Player of the Year. The Broncos ranked third in scoring defense and second overall in total defense, underscoring their defensive prowess.
Despite several convincing victories over playoff-caliber teams such as Philadelphia, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston, and Green Bay, Denver narrowly escaped with wins against weaker opponents like the New York Jets, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Washington Commanders by just seven points combined, highlighting some underlying vulnerability.
Free Agency and Salary Cap Status: Key Departures and Roster Challenges
The Broncos face several decisions in free agency, with notable players including defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, linebacker Alex Singleton, safety P.J. Locke, running backs J.K. Dobbins and Jaleel McLaughlin, and cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian potentially moving on. These departures could impact depth and experience, particularly if Franklin-Myers leaves, given his contribution as a defensive end.
Denver enters the offseason with approximately $28.9 million in salary cap space, offering some flexibility to address roster needs, but careful management will be required to retain key contributors and add impactful players.
Draft Priorities: Strengthening Offense and Defensive Front
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Broncos may prioritize replacing any lost talent on the defensive line, especially if John Franklin-Myers departs. Additionally, improving offensive weapons to support Bo Nix is critical. Adding a receiver and a tight end could provide Nix with more reliable targets beyond Courtland Sutton, while drafting a running back may become necessary if J.K. Dobbins signs elsewhere in free agency despite RJ Harvey’s promising rookie campaign.
Upcoming Season Schedule Highlights and Division Rivalries
Denver’s 2026 schedule features pivotal AFC West matchups at home against Kansas City, Las Vegas, and the Los Angeles Chargers, with corresponding away games against those teams as well. Non-division games include contests against Buffalo, Jacksonville, Los Angeles Rams, Miami, and Seattle at home, while away trips take them to Arizona, Carolina, New England, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco. The schedule will test the Broncos’ resilience and ability to defend their division title amid a competitive landscape.
Looking Forward: Balancing Optimism with Challenges Ahead
The Denver Broncos have laid down a solid foundation to defend their AFC West crown in 2026, blending a strong defense led by Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto with a developing offense under Bo Nix’s leadership. Stability in coaching, including the promotion of Davis Webb to offensive coordinator, adds confidence but also raises questions about how the offense will evolve.
Key free agency decisions and the draft will shape Denver’s roster depth, particularly on offense and the defensive line. Success will require addressing close-game vulnerabilities revealed last season, ensuring offensive weapons beyond Sutton step up, and keeping core defensive players intact. How these factors come together will determine whether Denver can not only defend their division but also make a deeper run toward the Super Bowl in 2026.
“We expect to see growth from Bo and the offense under Davis, and keeping Vance was a priority for our defense moving forward.” – Sean Payton, Head Coach
“Our focus is on consistency and making sure we close out tight games better this year.” – Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback
